EYE SAFETY
Avoiding Eye Injuries (from molten materials or chemicals) can all cause eye
injury unless the appropriate protective eyewear is
used. Harmful light rays (common in arc and electrical
welding, furnace operations, and work using acetylene
equipment) can cause painful eye burns unless your
eyes are adequately protected. The following guide­
lines for on-the-job eye safety can help you save your
sight-for life.
Eye Safety Checklist
(J Be alert to the eye hazards present at your worksite.
(J Wear the appropriate protective eyewear--glasses,
Wear the appropriate protective eyewear for the specific
hazards you face.
Of all of our senses, the one most precious perhaps is
our sense of sight Yet each year, thousands of us
suffer eye injuries that impair our vision or deprive us
of our sight altogether. These injuries are, to a large
extent, avoidable. In fact, over 90% of all eye injuries
can be prevented by following established safety
guidelines and using the appropriate protective
eyewear for the tasks we perform
Recognizing Eye Hazards
Among the most common eye hazards are flying
particles, a hazard typical of many machine operations
such as grinding, sawing, etching, and so on. Dusts
(such as wood, metal, and other air~ome particles),
sparks (common in welding), and fumes and splashes
A SPECIAL NOTE . .. goggles, and/or hoods, face shields and welding
helmets-provided by your employer for the specific
hazards you face.
.
(J Remember that regular eyeglasses or contact lenses
will not protect you from eye hazards:-if you must
wear corrective lenses, you'll need to wear protective
eyewear over them.
(J Check to see that your protective eyewear meets
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) stan­
dards.
(J Make sure that your protective eyewear fits prop­
erly and is clean and in good condition before and
after each use;
(J Replace faulty eyewear immediately. (J Follow established safety guidelines. a learn basic first-aid for eye injuries. (J Know where all eyewash stations and emergency equipment are located.
a In the event of eye injury, get medical attention .
immediately.
CI
HAND SAFETY Avoiding Finger, Hand, and Wrist Injuries Hand Protection Checklist
Whether you're a machine operator,
a lab technician, an office worker­
any kind of worker, for that mat­
ter-your hands are one of your
most important "instruments." Yet,
over a quarter of a million people
suffer serious (and often disabling)
hand injuries each year. By recog­
nizing hand hazards, following
established safety guidelines, and
using protective guards, shields,
gloves and other personal protec­
tive devices as needed, you can save
your hands from injury and yourself
from unnecessary disability.
t/ Be alert to potential hand
Recognizing Hand Hazards
One of the most serious yet com­
mon causes of hand injury is the
use of unprotected or faulty machin­
ery or equipment. Failure to use
push-sticks, guards, kill-switches, or
to follow appropriate lock-out
procedures are among the leading
industrial hand hazards. Wearing
jewelry, gloves, or loose-fitting
clothing around moving parts can
also lead to injury. Chemicals,
corrosives, and other irritating
substances can cause burns and
skin inflammation unless appropri­
ate hand protection is used. Tem­
perature extremes and electrical
hazards are other common causes
of hand injuries. In addition,
constant, repetitive motion (as in
assembly-line work or painting) can
cause undue stress on the wrists
and hands unless protective meas­
ures are taken. The following list
provides a guideline for hand safety
that can help you protect your
hands from injury and disability.
Always use push-sticks, guards,
shields, and other protective devices
when appropriate.
hazards before an accident
can happen.
t/ Be alert to possible
unguarded pinch points.
t/ Always use push-sticks,
guards, shields, and other
protective devices when
appropriate. Do not
remove guards.
t/ Use brushes to wipe away
debris.
t/ Inspect equipment and
machinery before and after
tasks to make sure that it is
in good operating condi­
tion.
t/ Disconnect power and
follow established lock-out
procedures before repair­
ing or cleaning machinery.
t/ Never wear gloves, jew­
elry, or loose clothing when
working with moving ma­
chine parts.
t/ Use the appropriate per­
sonal protective equip­
ment-gloves, guards, fore­
arm cuffs, barrier creams­
for the specific task you are
performing.
t/ When wearing gloves, be
sure they fit properly and
are rated for the specific
task you are performing.
t/ Select tools designed to
keep wrists straight to help
avoid repetitive motion/
overuse problems.
CI
"1988 PARLAY INTERNATIONAl.
CHOOSING AND USING WORK GLOVES
Selecting The Right Protective Handwear
Work gloves cannot prevent hand accidents-only safe and conscientious work practices can do that But, choosing the right
work glove for the job can help protect you from unnecessary injury and disability if an accident should occur. When protective
handwear is required for the job you perform, make sure that the gloves you use fit well. are comfortable to wear, and are rated to
guard against the particular hand hazards you face.
The following is a guide to the most common types of protective work gloves and the types of hazards they can guard against
Disposable Gloves Disposable gloves, usually made of light-weight plastic, can help guard against mild irritants. (These gloves are often used for food-handling operations.) Fabric Gloves Gloves made of cotton or fabric blends are generally used to improve your grip when handling slippery objects. They also help msulate your hands from mild heat or cold. Rubber Gloves Although commonly called "rubber," these gloves may actually be made of rubber, neoprene, poly vinyl alcohol or vinyl These gloves help protect hands from corrosives such as organic acids and petroleum-based products. Leather Gloves These gloves are used to guard against injuries from sparks or scraping against rough surfaces. They are also used in combination with an insulated liner when working with electricity. Metal Mesh Gloves These gloves are used to protect your hands from acciden­
tal cuts and scratches. They are used most commonly by persons working with cutting tools or other sharp instru­
ments. Aluminized Gloves Gloves made of aluminized fabric are designed to insulate your hands from intense heat These gloves are most commonly used by persons working with molten materials. Using Hand Protectors
Although these are the most common types of work gloves, many
gloves are designed to protect against specific hazards. (For
instance, workers exposed to radiation hazards wear specialized
lead-lined gloves.) It's also important to remember that your work
may require that you use additional hand protection other than
gloves which may include approved bamer creams, forearm cuffs,
hand pads, mittens, or finger cots. Your supervisor can help you
determine the appropriate protective handwear for your particular
job, but only you can make them work-by wearing them.
CI
ASPECIAL NOTE... • .Check gloves for cracks and holes,
especially at tips and between fingers.
• Replace worn
promptly.
or
damaged
gloves
• Keep gloves clean and dry.
. • Make sure gloves fit properly. A small
glove tires the hand and a large one is
clumsy.
• Check the MSDS for a particular glove
recommendation when working with
chemicals.
:. Cover all cuts before putting gloves on.
• Wash hands often to prevent build-up of
sweat and dirt.
CHOOSING AND USING PROTECTIVE HEADWEAR Hard Hats, Bump Caps, And Hair Covers
Head injuries may not be the most
commonly-reported industrial accident,
but they are by far among the most
devastating. One serious blow to the
head can leave an otherwise strong and
healthy person permanently brain­
damaged or disabled for life. All of us
know the importance of wearing head
protection on the job, but it's equally
important to select and wear the right
hat for the specific hazards you face.
The following is a guide to the most
common types of protective headwear
and the types of hazards they can guard
against
Hard Hats
Hair covers
help prevent
hair from
becoming
moving
machine
A visored
hard hat
(front-brlm
only) Is often
used when
working In
confined
parts.
spaces.
caught In
Bump caps are
used In
confined space$
where there are
no serious head
hazards.
As their name suggests, the outer shell
of these hats are made of rigid, impact­
resistant, non-flammable materials such
as fiberglass and thermoplastics. The
shell is held on your head by a network
of straps and harnesses: crown straps
which fit over the head itself and
cushion impact; an adjustable headband
that secures the hat to your head; and
chi" or nape straps to prevent the hat
from being accidently bumped off your
head. A full·brimmed bard hat
(such as the type worn by firefighters)
protects against blows to the entire
head, neck, and shoulders. A visored
bard hat (front·brim only) does not
protect the sides of the head or the
neck and shoulders, but is often used
when working in confined spaces.
Bump Caps
Bump caps do not protect against blows
to the head or other serious impacts
such as falling objects. Made oflight­
weight plastic, these hats guard against
minor bumps only. Bump caps should
never be used in place ofhard hats.
Bump caps are commonly used when
working in confined spaces where there
are no serious head hazards.
Hair Covers
Hair covers made of breathable fabric
or lightweight materials are often
required when working around
machinery. This type of headwear is
usually adjustable (to ensure proper fit)
and may have a front visor (to let you
know if you are getting too close to your
machine.) Hair covers help prevent
hair from becoming caught in moving
machine parts.
A full·
brimmed
hard hat
protects
against
blows to the
enUre head,
neck, and
shoulders.
A SPECIAL NOTE...
• Adjust the headband to the
proper size so there is
adequate
clearance
between the shell and
headband.
USing Protective Headwear
Although these are the most common
types of protective headwear, your
partictdar job may require that special
safety accessories be added to your
basic head protector. For example,
thermal liners may be required if you
work in extremely cold temperatures;
lamp brackets may be attached if you
work in dark areas; or face shield
mounts may be needed if you are also
exposed to flying particles. (Note:
Face shields alone do not protect
against flying particles. Protective
eyewear is also required.) To keep
your protective headwear in top - -.. __
condition, check it before and after- each
use. Are all straps secure and working
properly? Is there any damage to the
outer shell? Does it fit correctly? Is it
clean? Remember, though, in order for
your protective headwear to work, you
have to wear it
Cl
• Check daily for signs of
cracks, penetration, or other
damage.
• Do not drill or punch holes in
the helmet shell to gain
ventilation.
• Store in a clean, dry location ­
not in sunlight
• Do not paint hard hats.
CHOOSING AND USING EYE PROTECTION Safety Glasses And Goggles
No matter where we work, flying particles, dusts,
fumes, vapors, hannful rays, are apt to expose us to
potential eye injury. Fortunately, we can protect
against these hazards by using the appropriate protec­
tive eyewear for our jobs and by following our compa­
nies' established safety guidelines. The following is a
guide to the most common types of protective eyewear
and the specific hazards they can guard against
Safety
glasses
have lenses
that are
Impact
resistant
and frames
that are far
stronger
than
regular
eyeglasses.
Safety Glasses
Standard safety glasses look very much like normal
glasses, but are designed to protect you against flying
particles. Safety glasses have lenses that are impact
resistant and frames that are far stronger than regular
eyeglasses. Safety glasses must meet the standards of
the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
(Safety glasses are also available in prescription form
for those persons who need corrective lenses.) Stan­
dard safety glasses can be equipped with side shields,
cups, or tinted lenses to offer additional protection.
Safety Goggles
like standard safety glasses, goggles are impact
resistant and are available in tinted lenses. Goggles
provide a secure shield around the entire eye area to
protect against hazards coming from many directi,ons.
Safety goggles may have regular or indirect ventilation.
(Goggles with indirect ventilation may be required if
you are exposed to splash hazards.)
Shields and Helmets
Face shields and helmets are not in themselves protec­
tive eyewear. But, they are frequently used in conjunc­
tion with eye protectors. Full-face shields are often
used when you are exposed to chemicals or heat or
glare hazards. Helmets are used when welding or
working with molten materials.
Using Protective Eyewear
You can guard against eye injury by making sure that
you are wearing the appropriate protective eyewear for
the particular eye hazards you face. It's important to
remember that regular glasses alone do not offer
protection from eye hazards. Follow your company's
established safety procedures, and never hesitate to ask
your supervisor if you have any questions about what
you can do to protect your sight for life.
.
CJ
Goggles
provide a
secure shield
around the
:=t:
".­
against ~...
hazards ~ Q
coming from '..;a,."""'.....c'N
many
directions.
~~~~L-~~
____L -__
~
A SPECIAL NOTE . ..
• Adjust frame periodically to prevent
glasses from sliding down the nose.
• Before cleaning, flush them with water or
blow on lens to remove dirt. Dirt and
grit can scratch lenses.
• Regularly check eye protection for
damage and store in a clean, dry place.
• Promptly replace any device that doesn't
sit properly or becomes scratched, bent
or broken.
__
~
1I CHOOSING AND USING WORK SHOES Safety Shoes And Boots Who thinks about their feet? Well, each year at least 120,000
workers certainly do. That's because each of them suffered
from an accidental foot injury while on the job. And what are
most ofthem thinking about? Chances are, it's the realization
that their accidents could have been prevented by using
common safety sense and wearing the appropriate protective
footwear. The following is a guide to the most common types
of protective footwear and the types of hazards they protect
against
Steel-Reinforced Safety Shoes
These shoes are designed to protect your feet from common
machinery hazards such as falling or rolling objects, cuts, and
punctures. The entire toe box and insole are reinforced with
steel, and the instep is protected by steel, aluminum, or
plastic materials. Safety shoes are also designed to insulate
against temperature extremes and may be equipped with
special soles to guard against slip, chemical, and!or electrical
hazards. Other protective footwear (such as metatarsal and
shin guards) can be used in conjunction with standard safety
shoes.
A SPECIAL NOTE . ..
• Select safety shoes or boots at"the.end of the day when the feet are a bit swollen. • Have both feet measured.
• Inspect footwear for cracks and holes prior to use. • Store in a clean l dry location.
• Select and use the right kind of footwear.
• Replace worn or torn footwear.
• Avoid leather and cloth footwear when
working with acids and caustics.
Steel-relnforced safety shoes protect your feet from falling or
roiling objects, cuts, and puncture InJuries.
Safety Boots
Safety boots come in many varieties and which you use will
depend on the specific hazards you face. Boots offer more
protection when splash or spark hazards (chemicals, molten
materials) are present When working with corrosives,
caustics, cutting oils, and petroleum products, neoprene or
.itrile boots are often required to prevent penetration.
Foundry or "Gaiter" style boots (often used in welding opera­
tions) feature quick-release fasteners or elasticized insets to
allow speedy removal should any hazardous substance get
into the boot itself, When working with electricity, you may
need to wear special electrical hazard boots which are
designed with no conductive materials other than the steel
toe (which is properly insulated).
Using Protective Footwear
There are many ~ and styles of pro~ve footwear-and
it's important to realize that your job may require additional
protection. Features such as slip-resistant soles, for example,
will vary from one shoe to the next, depending upon the type
of slip hazard. Whatever your specific requirements are, you
can ensure that your footwear meets established safety
standards by checking for the American National Standards
Institute's (ANSD label inside each shoe.
CJ
em.. PNIAV MSIIATIOIW.